Students
CUL 221 – Australian Film and Television
2016 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor, Lecturer, Tutor
Anthony Lambert
Contact via anthony.lambert@mq.edu.au
Y3A253
Email for appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
12cp
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
What do we mean by 'being Australian'? In Australia, film and television are used by the creative industries and viewing public to create, share, critique and sustain ideas of identity and space, and to mediate associated cultural concerns. This unit focuses on constructions of 'Australianness' drawn from these Australian contexts, using cultural-critical frameworks to explore the production and consumption of Australian film and television locally and globally. In addition, by canvassing themes or representation, genre, style, policy, history and industrial practice, this unit explores the trajectories and texts of Australian film and television as well as the contemporary preoccupations of both. The production of identity, Indigeneity, gender, sexuality, race, religion and politics from an Australian perspective is explored through a number of Australian feature films, documentaries and television programs. These are filtered through critical perspectives from across the broad range of Cultural Studies to interrogate how 'being Australian' is performed as a complex phenomenon.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Develop scholarly and thematic familiarity (contemporary and historical) of Cultural Studies with respect to Australian film and television.
- Analyse Australian screen texts and associated cultural practices (Australian spaces, media, scholarly work, social and historical phenomena).
- Demonstrate an understanding of the politicised aspects of Australian life: how definitions of Australian culture and identity work with respect to on-screen representation, texts, technologies, industries and lived realities.
- Identify the production of 'Australianness' through discourses of nationalism and social inclusion.
- Review critically, analyse and synthesise findings in written and creative form, as well as faciliate and participate in discussions and presentations.
- Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form.
- Identify issues specific to Cultural Studies practice, including ethical relations to others, social justice and equity, and the appreciation of diversity.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Surveys | 5% | In class: weeks 2 and 12 |
| Presentation | 25% | Ongoing |
| Journal | 30% | Online: 19th May |
| Quarterly Tests | 40% | Online: Weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12 |
Surveys
Due: In class: weeks 2 and 12
Weighting: 5%
Outline
Students complete short answers to a series of reflective suggestions and factual questions at the beginning and the end of the semester.
Submission Requirements
The first survey will be distributed in the week one lecture and will be due for submission in the first tutorial.The second survey will be completed online and will respond to material from the second half of the course.
Criteria
This is a pass/fail exercise based on completion to a satisfactory level by the due dates. The first survey is used as an early assessment exercise to help identify students who may require extra help. The second survey is used to gauge overall comprehension and the effectiveness of teaching exercises and content.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop scholarly and thematic familiarity (contemporary and historical) of Cultural Studies with respect to Australian film and television.
- Analyse Australian screen texts and associated cultural practices (Australian spaces, media, scholarly work, social and historical phenomena).
- Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form.
- Identify issues specific to Cultural Studies practice, including ethical relations to others, social justice and equity, and the appreciation of diversity.
Presentation
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 25%
Outline
An oral presentation analysing one film and one television program that speaks to the weekly themes.You will lead the tutorial for fifteen minutes. Your tutor will allocate weeks and dates in the first tutorial and the exercises will begin in the second week.
Submission Requirements
This is an in-class exercise and there are no written components. You should use visual aids and/or clips to assist in your exploration of film, television and the weekly themes and concepts. You will be marked solely on what you do in class and individual grades/ feedback will be provided via the iLearn site on a rolling basis.
Criteria
You must present the weekly themes creatively by offering an analysis of two texts one Australian film, and one Australian television program - (think creatively about what constitutes an Australian film or TV text – think about the broad range of genres and styles within each). Your choice of screen texts must;
1) offer both industrial historical contexts of each, and 2) place each text in a relationship with the critical materials and concepts of the specific week. At the end you will allow at least five minutes for the group to ask questions and respond to what you have done. Your tutor will grade you on a series of criteria including conceptual understanding (use the readings and your own research), analytical skills, originality, presentation and group engagement.
Seek assistance from your tutor as soon as possible if you have any problems.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse Australian screen texts and associated cultural practices (Australian spaces, media, scholarly work, social and historical phenomena).
- Demonstrate an understanding of the politicised aspects of Australian life: how definitions of Australian culture and identity work with respect to on-screen representation, texts, technologies, industries and lived realities.
- Review critically, analyse and synthesise findings in written and creative form, as well as faciliate and participate in discussions and presentations.
- Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form.
Journal
Due: Online: 19th May
Weighting: 30%
Outline
Students will keep a written weekly journal documenting their own responses to the set film or television screenings from weeks 1 through to (and including) week 10, using the criteria in iLearn and the weekly questions under each banner. Each entry is to be no longer than 250 words.
Submission Requirements
The full journal is due online by 6pm on May 19th, as one document submitted via the 'journal' link on the unit iLearn page.
Criteria
Using the weekly questions on iLearn, your journal responses will offer -
1) an understanding of the content/narrative
2) an understanding of important industrial and/or social contexts that shape the text
3) any noticeable textual/stylistic features and
4) an account of the relationship between the screening and the weekly themes from the lectures and the readings.
If you quote/cite specific material you must reference appropriately. All weekly screenings must be included. Each entry is graded out of 3, and each missing entry will lose 3 marks. The overall word limit should not exceed 2500 words.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse Australian screen texts and associated cultural practices (Australian spaces, media, scholarly work, social and historical phenomena).
- Demonstrate an understanding of the politicised aspects of Australian life: how definitions of Australian culture and identity work with respect to on-screen representation, texts, technologies, industries and lived realities.
- Review critically, analyse and synthesise findings in written and creative form, as well as faciliate and participate in discussions and presentations.
- Identify issues specific to Cultural Studies practice, including ethical relations to others, social justice and equity, and the appreciation of diversity.
Quarterly Tests
Due: Online: Weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12
Weighting: 40%
Outline
Students will complete four online tests throughout the course of the semester.
Submission Requirements
The tests are administered online, in weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12 via the associated links on iLearn. Students must complete each test within the designated time and only one attempt is allowed. Contact the tutor if any disruption or legitimate error presents itself (with screen shots attached). The first two tests will allow fifteen minutes for completion, and the second two tests will be ten minutes long with an increased level of difficulty. Grades/ feedback are provided instantly after completion of each quiz exercise.
Criteria
The tests comprise a range of true/false responses, factual answers, and short responses to critical propositions and observations. Each test covers material from three weeks of the semester; specific topics, lectures, screenings and reading material up to and including the final week. Test 1 covers: Australianness, National identity, and Indigeneity. Test 2 covers: Multiculturalism, Screening Oz, and Spaces. Test 3 covers: Migration/Detention and Gender. Test 4 covers: Sexuality, Religion and Badlands.
As the tests are timed, students are advised to revise readings, lecture notes and screenings prior to commencing online. Students who attend tutorials, observe weekly presentations and engage in the class discussions are better equipped to complete the tests in a timely manner and to a higher standard.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop scholarly and thematic familiarity (contemporary and historical) of Cultural Studies with respect to Australian film and television.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the politicised aspects of Australian life: how definitions of Australian culture and identity work with respect to on-screen representation, texts, technologies, industries and lived realities.
- Identify the production of 'Australianness' through discourses of nationalism and social inclusion.
Delivery and Resources
Delivery: Daytime, Internal
Technologies Used: iLearn, Echo360, Kanopy
Times and Locations for Lectures, Tutorials and Screenings
For current updates, lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetables website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au.
Lectures: Monday 4pm-5pm E7B T2
Tutorials: Normally Thursday after each lecture for 1 hr (times as per enrolment).
Screenings: The required weekly screenings are done in your own time, using the Kanopy streaming links/web links provided in iLearn (or by using the library website). You must watch each title before each appropriate tutorial.
Required and recommended resources
CUL 221 has set readings for each weekly topic which you must read and study. The readings are available vis the 'Unit Readings' link on the library site, or by searching the catalogue for each title and signing into the library site to connect to journals online. Contact your tutor ASAP with any problems.
Recommended further reading includes:
Bennet, T. and David Carter (eds.) (2001) Culture in Australia: Policies, Publics and Programs, Cambridge: CUP.
Collins, F. and Therese Davies (2004) Australian Cinema After Mabo, Cambridge; Port Melbourne: CUP.
Frow, J. and Meaghan Morris (eds.) (1993) Australian Cultural Studies: A Reader, Chicago: University of Illinois Press.
Goldsmith B., Leeland G. and M. Ryan (eds) (2013) Intellect Directory of World Cinema: Australia and New Zealand Cinema 2nd edn, Bristol:Intellect Books.
Hage, G. (1998) White Nation: Fantasies of White Supremacy in Multicultural Australia, Sydney: Pluto Press.
Hodge, B and John O'Carroll (2006) Borderwork in Multicultural Australia, Crows Nest, N.S.W: Allen & Unwin.
Jupp, J. and John Nieuwenhuysen with Emma Dawson (2007) Social Cohesion in Australia, New York: CUP.
McKee, Alan. (2001) Australian television: a genealogy of great moments, South Melbourne, Vic: Oxford University Press.
McLean, I. (1999) White Aborigines: Identity Politics in Australian Art, New York: CUP.
Moran, A. (2005) Australia: Nation, Belonging and Globalistaion, London: Routledge.
Moran, Albert & Vieth, Errol. (2006). Film in Australia: an introduction. Port Melbourne, Vic: Cambridge University Press.
Nelmes, J (Ed) (2007) Introduction to film studies Abingdon, [England] ; New York : Routledge,
O'Regan, T. (1996) Australian National Cinema, London; New York: Routledge.
Prerera, S. (2009) Australia and the Insular Imagination, New York: Palgrave.
Rayner, J. (2000) Contemporary Australian Cinema: An Introduction, Manchester : Manchester University Press.
Sawal, A and R. Sawal (eds) (2009) Creative Nation: Australian Cinema and Cultural Studies Reader, New Delhi: SSS Publications.
Simpson, C., Murawska, R. and A. Lambert (eds) (2009) Diasporas of Australian Cinema Bristol: Intellect.
Turner, G. (1986) National Fictions: Literature, Film and the Construction of Australian Narrative , 2nd Edn, St Leonards: Allen & Unwin.
Turner, G. (1993) Nation, Culture Text: Australian Cultural and Media Studies, London; New York: Routledge.
Turner, Graeme & Cunningham, Stuart. Eds. (2000) The Australian TV book. St Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
Verhoeven, Deb. (Ed) (1999) Twin Peeks : Australian and New Zealand Feature Films, Melbourne : Damned,
Journals:
Australian Humanities Review
Journal of Australian Studies
Journal of Australian Popular Culture
Media International Australia
Metro Magazine
Screening the Past
Studies in Australasian Cinema
Unit Schedule
UNIT LEARNING AND TEACHING SCHEDULE - AS PER THE iLearn WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Week 1 Screening Australianness
Week 2 Screening National Identity
Week 3 Screening Indigeneity
Week 4 Screening Multiculturalism
Week 5 Screening Oz/Australia
Week 6 Screening Space
Week 7 ANZAC DAY (No lecture, tutorial or readings - Screening for journal/ tests only)
Week 8 Screening Migration and Detention
Week 9 Screening Gender
Week 10 Screening Sexuality
Week 11 Screening Religion
Week 12 Screening Badlands
Week 13 Consultations by Appointment
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Additional information
MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914
Information is correct at the time of publication
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Review critically, analyse and synthesise findings in written and creative form, as well as faciliate and participate in discussions and presentations.
- Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Journal
- Quarterly Tests
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop scholarly and thematic familiarity (contemporary and historical) of Cultural Studies with respect to Australian film and television.
- Analyse Australian screen texts and associated cultural practices (Australian spaces, media, scholarly work, social and historical phenomena).
- Identify the production of 'Australianness' through discourses of nationalism and social inclusion.
- Review critically, analyse and synthesise findings in written and creative form, as well as faciliate and participate in discussions and presentations.
- Identify issues specific to Cultural Studies practice, including ethical relations to others, social justice and equity, and the appreciation of diversity.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Journal
- Quarterly Tests
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse Australian screen texts and associated cultural practices (Australian spaces, media, scholarly work, social and historical phenomena).
- Demonstrate an understanding of the politicised aspects of Australian life: how definitions of Australian culture and identity work with respect to on-screen representation, texts, technologies, industries and lived realities.
- Review critically, analyse and synthesise findings in written and creative form, as well as faciliate and participate in discussions and presentations.
- Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form.
- Identify issues specific to Cultural Studies practice, including ethical relations to others, social justice and equity, and the appreciation of diversity.
Assessment tasks
- Surveys
- Presentation
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop scholarly and thematic familiarity (contemporary and historical) of Cultural Studies with respect to Australian film and television.
- Analyse Australian screen texts and associated cultural practices (Australian spaces, media, scholarly work, social and historical phenomena).
- Demonstrate an understanding of the politicised aspects of Australian life: how definitions of Australian culture and identity work with respect to on-screen representation, texts, technologies, industries and lived realities.
- Identify the production of 'Australianness' through discourses of nationalism and social inclusion.
Assessment tasks
- Surveys
- Presentation
- Quarterly Tests
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop scholarly and thematic familiarity (contemporary and historical) of Cultural Studies with respect to Australian film and television.
- Analyse Australian screen texts and associated cultural practices (Australian spaces, media, scholarly work, social and historical phenomena).
- Demonstrate an understanding of the politicised aspects of Australian life: how definitions of Australian culture and identity work with respect to on-screen representation, texts, technologies, industries and lived realities.
- Identify the production of 'Australianness' through discourses of nationalism and social inclusion.
- Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Journal
- Quarterly Tests
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse Australian screen texts and associated cultural practices (Australian spaces, media, scholarly work, social and historical phenomena).
- Demonstrate an understanding of the politicised aspects of Australian life: how definitions of Australian culture and identity work with respect to on-screen representation, texts, technologies, industries and lived realities.
- Identify the production of 'Australianness' through discourses of nationalism and social inclusion.
- Review critically, analyse and synthesise findings in written and creative form, as well as faciliate and participate in discussions and presentations.
Assessment tasks
- Surveys
- Quarterly Tests
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse Australian screen texts and associated cultural practices (Australian spaces, media, scholarly work, social and historical phenomena).
- Demonstrate an understanding of the politicised aspects of Australian life: how definitions of Australian culture and identity work with respect to on-screen representation, texts, technologies, industries and lived realities.
- Review critically, analyse and synthesise findings in written and creative form, as well as faciliate and participate in discussions and presentations.
- Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Journal
- Quarterly Tests
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify the production of 'Australianness' through discourses of nationalism and social inclusion.
- Identify issues specific to Cultural Studies practice, including ethical relations to others, social justice and equity, and the appreciation of diversity.
Assessment tasks
- Surveys
- Journal
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the politicised aspects of Australian life: how definitions of Australian culture and identity work with respect to on-screen representation, texts, technologies, industries and lived realities.
- Review critically, analyse and synthesise findings in written and creative form, as well as faciliate and participate in discussions and presentations.
- Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form.
- Identify issues specific to Cultural Studies practice, including ethical relations to others, social justice and equity, and the appreciation of diversity.
Assessment task
- Surveys
Changes from Previous Offering
The order of assessments has been amended with a view to balancing the workload and a more effective scaffolding of content and skills.
Important Further Information for CUL221
Further criteria for all written and presented work:
1. Extent to which the work/analysis is focused on the specific question, theme or topic.
2. Structure: statement of aims in introduction, organisation of material (logical order and flow of discussion), conclusion
3. Clarity of argument, quality of analysis and fluency in cultural studies terms
4. Identification of appropriate themes and concepts from the set texts and further reading and their usefulness in the analysis of examples
5. Use of appropriate evidence to support claims
6. Adequate and appropriate citation of sources
7. Presentation: format, spelling, syntax, grammar and expression
Attendance
Lectures: Monday 4-5 E7B T2 Tutorials: As per timetable (1hr per week, compulsory attendance)
There will be a1 hour lecture each week, with 1.5 to 2 hrs of set screening time you must complete in your own time. There will be 1 x 1 hour tutorial each week. For each tutorial you are required to read the set readings. The tutorials involve discussion of the ideas presented in the lectures, readings, and screenings, as well as the development of critical and writing skills. There will be tutorial questions to guide your discussion of the topic under each banner on the iLearn page.
Examination(s)
Tests and submissions are in lieu of examinations, and must be completed as stated unless you have made a VALID application for special consideration through the Disruption to Studies link at ask.mq.edu.au
Assignment submission
To be submitted online via the appropriate links. You must structure and reference reports/journals and essays appropriately, including a full and correct bibliography. See this guide and university and faculty websites for explicit details with respect to plagiarism and academic writing services.
Extensions and penalties
Work submitted late without a valid and authorised extension will incur a penalty of 5% of the total mark for each day after the due date including weekends.
Plagiarism/ Academic Honesty
The University defines plagiarism in its rules: "Plagiarism involves using the work of another person and presenting it as one's own." Plagiarism is a serious breach of the University's rules and carries significant penalties. You must read the University's practices and procedures on plagiarism. These can be found in the Handbook of Undergraduate Studies or on the web at: http://www.student.mq.edu.au/plagiarism/ The policies and procedures explain what plagiarism is, how to avoid it, the procedures that will be taken in cases of suspected plagiarism, and the penalties if you are found guilty. Penalties may include a deduction of marks, failure of components within the unit, and/or referral to the University Discipline Committee.
Returning assignments
Marking in CUL221 is done/returned online via iLearn and turnitin/Grademark.
MMCCS Re-mark Procedure
MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914